The Doctor's Shop. Official seller of Mothersteps obstetric insoles designed to correct posture and gait during pregnancy and cure pain in your feet, knees, hips and back
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FAQ's
What are Mothersteps?
Why might I need them?
What do they do?
How do I wear Mothersteps?
Can I start wearing Mothersteps at any time during my pregnancy?
What shoes can I wear these insoles in?
Can I continue to wear Mothersteps even after my baby is born?
Can they be harmful?
Will I have to buy new shoes?
Are they expensive?
Do I need more than one pair?
What if I choose the wrong size?
How long will they last?
I have very small/big feet can they still help?
I walk out of the back of some of my shoes when wearing
Mothersteps, what should I do?

What should I do if I am still in pain?




If you have any more questions that are not answered here please don't hesitate to contact us on 0207 467 8553



What are Mothersteps?


Mothersteps are unique insoles designed to reduce lower back, leg and foot fatigue during pregnancy. They are worn in the shoe and may sometimes be referred to as orthoses.


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Why might I need them?

It is well documented that one in two women during pregnancy suffer with skeletal and postural discomfort including foot ankle knee hip and low back pain. Mothersteps have been designed to re-align specific foot and ankle structures that contribute to the cause of this pain.


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What do they do?

As the foot reaches a certain position during your gait cycle (the way in which you walk) the foot “rolls in” with an increase in weight during pregnancy of up to 11 kilograms. Mothersteps are designed to resist this "overpronation" that in turn prevents the shin bone and thigh bone compensating for the abnormal movement at the foot. The compensating movement of the shin and thigh bones are what contributes to foot ankle knee hip and low back pain. Also the joint structures change during pregnancy through the release of a special hormone. This softens many ligaments in preparation for birth but may also contribute to postural discomfort.


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How do I wear Mothersteps?

Mothersteps have been designed to fit into most regular shoes. Mothersteps are marked Left and Right, simply place them in the appropriate shoe, ensuring the heel part of Mothersteps is pushed as far as possible into the heel section of your shoe. Put your shoe on, taking care to re-adjust any strapping or fastenings. Walk carefully and slowly at first to get used to the new foot position. It is recommended that you start wearing Mothersteps in your home at first for a few hours in order to get use to them. It is possible that you may feel the insole noticeably at first, just be patient. Try wearing them for 1 hour on the first day and build up the wear to an hour extra each day for the first week.


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Can I start wearing Mothersteps at any time during my pregnancy?

Yes, of course the sooner you wear them the more you will benefit from postural and foot comfort. Mothers to be are all different and may feel postural and foot fatigue at any time during their pregnancy. It is recommended that Mothersteps are worn as often and as early during pregnancy as possible for maximum effect.


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What shoes can I wear these insoles in?

During pregnancy it is sensible to wear flatter shoes in order to reduce excess stress on the lower limb and foot structure. Mothersteps are designed to fit within most sensible footwear, but those with a deep heel cup, wide toe box and good fastening will probably fit best and make the most of your orthotic. However any shoe that fits both your foot and Mothersteps comfortably is fine.

I recommend that when buying new shoes you take Mothersteps with you and experiment with different styles in the shop. Be sure you are comfortable before making any purchase and don’t be afraid to ask for fitting advice.
Of course for special occasion a less practical shoe can be worn, but try to sit down when possible otherwise you may find that your ankles begin to swell and that your feet will become restricted and uncomfortable, particularly in hot weather.


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Can I continue to wear Mothersteps even after my baby is born?

Of course! It will take some time for your body and in particular your weight to return to normal after the birth. During this time you may also find you are on your feet a lot more than you were used to, particularly for first time mothers. During the first few months of motherhood your body and skeletal structure will gradually be returning to its pre-pregnancy form. Until such time Mothersteps can continue to assist with your overall posture and foot comfort. Watch The Doctors Shop at Mothersteps.com for new products to help busy mothers after the birth!!


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Can they be harmful?

No, Mothersteps has been designed by a specialist culminating years of clinical experience in the treatment of foot lower limb and postural pain. However, if discomfort occurs it is advisable to remove the orthotic and consult a relevant specialist.

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Will I have to buy new shoes?

No. Mothersteps has been designed to fit most footwear. Occasional adjustment of strapping or fastening may be required.


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Are they expensive?

No, they are £27.00, and can be used during subsequent pregnancies.


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Do I need more than 1 pair?

This is entirely up to the individual. Mothersteps can be transferred from shoe to shoe. Some may prefer to buy more than 1 pair to reduce the need for transfer between shoes.

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What if I chose the wrong size?

The Doctors Shop will be happy to exchange Mothersteps for a different size providing they are returned within 7 days of purchase.


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How long will they last?

Mothersteps base plates are guaranteed for life against memory loss or breakage.


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I have very small/big feet can they still help?

Mothersteps are available in sizes from UK 3 to UK 11


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I walk out of the back of some of my shoes when wearing Mothersteps, what should I do?

This is usually because your shoes have a particularly low heel cup or your shoes are too big for you. Try using a heel grip. These can be found in shoe shops, shoe repairers or some haberdashery departments. They are self adhesive, and can be stuck into the inside of the back of your shoe. This should reduce heel slippage. It is however very important during your pregnancy to pay great attention to your feet and posture, so it may be a good investment to buy a comfortable shoe that fits your foot and Mothersteps well. You will feel the benefits throughout and even after the birth of your baby.


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What should I do if I am still in pain?

If your discomfort persists consult your G.P, Obstetrician or Midwife as soon as possible.


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Dr Charlotte Hawkins
Mother of two and one of the worlds leading clinicians
in the biomechanics field.

The Facts
Mothersteps is a unique product that has been designed to address the needs of the pregnant woman and reduce the excess demands put upon the foot and leg. This in turn reducing associated pain and discomfort.

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